511 Quotes by Niccolò Machiavelli

Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results.

Tardiness often robs us opportunity, and the dispatch of our forces.

For as laws are necessary that good manners be preserved, so there is need of good manners that law may be maintained.

Delusion gives you more happiness than truth gives to me. For injuries ought to be done all at one time, so that, being tasted less, they offend less; benefits ought to be given little by little, so that the flavour of them may last longer.

There should be many judges, for few will always do the will of few.

It is better to be adventurous than cautious, because fortune is a woman.

The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.

God and nature have thrown all human fortunes into the midst of mankind; and they are thus attainable rather by rapine than by industry, by wicked actions rather than by good. Hence it is that men feed upon each other, and those who cannot defend themselves must be worried.

Men are always averse to enterprises in which they foresee difficulties.